How to alleviate hypoglycemia

Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

Updated on September 07, 2024

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In general, for hypoglycemia, if a diabetic's blood sugar falls below 3.9 or a non-diabetic's blood sugar falls below 2.8, it is considered hypoglycemia. In terms of treatment, if the patient is conscious and experiences symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, cold sweat, and hunger, it is recommended to measure blood sugar immediately and then eat foods that quickly increase blood sugar levels, such as chocolate or candy. If hypoglycemia in a patient is not corrected in time, it can lead to coma. If the patient is comatose, it is advised to call emergency services immediately and administer a 50% glucose intravenous injection to correct the hypoglycemia.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

1min 1sec

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How to Treat Hypoglycemia

If the patient is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, and feelings of hunger, but is mentally clear, it is suggested to promptly eat foods like candy or chocolate that can rapidly increase blood sugar levels. However, if the patient's hypoglycemia isn’t fully corrected and leads to unconsciousness, then it is critical to immediately call emergency services (dial 120). Upon their arrival, a micro blood sugar test should be conducted. Secondly, an injection of 50% glucose can be administered intravenously to correct the hypoglycemia. Thus, preventing hypoglycemia is very important.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

34sec

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What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

The symptoms of hypoglycemia primarily manifest as signs of sympathetic nervous excitement and lack of oxygen in brain cells. Sympathetic nervous excitement can cause feelings of hunger, pale complexion, palpitations, dizziness, and trembling limbs. Meanwhile, the lack of oxygen in brain cells primarily presents as disturbances in neurological functions. The most common symptoms include inability to concentrate, slow speech and thought processes, drowsiness, abnormal behavior, and in severe cases, it can even lead to coma.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

1min 3sec

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How to check for hypoglycemia

We usually diagnose hypoglycemia based on the following three criteria. The first is the presence of hypoglycemic symptoms, such as palpitations, tremors, sweating, dizziness, etc. If these symptoms are present, we must immediately consider the possibility of hypoglycemia, and then proceed to monitor blood glucose levels. If the blood glucose reading is below 2.8 for non-diabetic patients and below 3.9 for diabetic patients, hypoglycemia can be considered. Subsequently, the patient should consume sugary water, and if the symptoms significantly alleviate after this, a diagnosis of hypoglycemia can be established. Moreover, if the patient does not have a history of diabetes, does not use hypoglycemic drugs, but experiences recurring episodes of hypoglycemia, further testing is required, such as a fasting test, checking C-peptide levels, insulin levels, etc., to rule out insulinoma.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

47sec

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What to do about hypoglycemia?

After a hypoglycemic episode, we need to handle it quickly. Usually, based on symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, pale complexion, and trembling hands, we can preliminarily judge the likelihood of a hypoglycemic attack. Then, use a rapid glucose meter to measure fingertip blood sugar levels. For non-diabetic patients, a blood sugar level below 2.8 mmol/L and for diabetic patients, a level below 3.9 mmol/L can be indicative. Next, we quickly provide sugar, offering oral sugar water, sugary drinks, or sugar-containing fruits, cookies, bread, etc. After these treatments, the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be quickly alleviated.

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Written by Lin Xiang Dong

Endocrinology

59sec

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What to eat for low blood sugar?

For already occurring hypoglycemia, our treatment goal is to quickly alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia. The primary method is to provide sugar, either through sugar water, sugary drinks, or sugar-containing fruits, bread, etc. After providing sugar, the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be quickly relieved. At the same time, to prevent hypoglycemia, we need to do the following: first, eat meals regularly every day, avoiding eating too late or not enough. Second, it is not advisable to exercise on an empty stomach; it is appropriate to eat something before exercising. Third, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can inhibit the conversion of liver glycogen into glucose in the body, making it easy to develop hypoglycemia, so avoid excessive drinking. Fourth, once common symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, sweating, and other symptoms occur, we should quickly provide sugar.